journal
Photography: Raphaël Thibodeau
29 / 12 / 2025
Designed by EM Architecture, Chalet du ruisseau is a country retreat located in Potton, in Quebec’s Eastern Townships.
Completed in 2023, the project offers a contemporary reinterpretation of rural vernacular architecture. Gabled forms, natural materials and a site-responsive approach come together to create a quiet dialogue between architecture, landscape and ways of living.
Set on a wooded, sloping plot along the edge of a stream, the house is shaped by the land itself. The topography informs both its spatial organisation and its composition of two volumes that gently follow the terrain, opening towards the water. The careful preservation of mature trees was central to the design, strengthening the home’s integration into its natural surroundings. Generous openings frame uninterrupted views, while flagstone terraces extend the interiors outdoors, encouraging a daily life closely connected to nature.
The architectural language strikes a balanced conversation between tradition and modernity. Raw timber cladding and a metal roof recall the imagery of rural barns, reinterpreted through clean lines and contemporary construction precision. A lighter connecting volume links the two main structures, creating sheltered entrances and service areas that bring cohesion to the overall composition.
Inside, a central, wood-clad core organises circulation and technical spaces, freeing the façades for natural light and expansive views. The interiors reflect a curated sensibility, with mid-century modern furniture, warm textures and an atmosphere of understated comfort. The result is a timeless retreat, where architecture and nature coexist in a quiet, deeply rooted harmony.
Set on a wooded, sloping plot along the edge of a stream, the house is shaped by the land itself. The topography informs both its spatial organisation and its composition of two volumes that gently follow the terrain, opening towards the water. The careful preservation of mature trees was central to the design, strengthening the home’s integration into its natural surroundings. Generous openings frame uninterrupted views, while flagstone terraces extend the interiors outdoors, encouraging a daily life closely connected to nature.
The architectural language strikes a balanced conversation between tradition and modernity. Raw timber cladding and a metal roof recall the imagery of rural barns, reinterpreted through clean lines and contemporary construction precision. A lighter connecting volume links the two main structures, creating sheltered entrances and service areas that bring cohesion to the overall composition.
Inside, a central, wood-clad core organises circulation and technical spaces, freeing the façades for natural light and expansive views. The interiors reflect a curated sensibility, with mid-century modern furniture, warm textures and an atmosphere of understated comfort. The result is a timeless retreat, where architecture and nature coexist in a quiet, deeply rooted harmony.
For more information, visit EM Architecture website.


